Dipa Ma: Ten Rules to Live By
Dipa Ma (1911-1989) was a highly accomplished meditation master who achieved high spiritual states in the midst of being a poor and busy single mother. She had many students that went on to achieve deep states of awakening under her guidance.
Joseph Goldstein recounts this story:
"The last time I saw Dipa Ma before she died, she told me that I should sit for two days. She didn’t mean a two-day retreat but one sitting two days long! I had to laugh; it seemed completely impossible. But with uncompromising compassion, she simply said to me, “Don’t be lazy.”
Joseph Goldstein recounts this story:
"The last time I saw Dipa Ma before she died, she told me that I should sit for two days. She didn’t mean a two-day retreat but one sitting two days long! I had to laugh; it seemed completely impossible. But with uncompromising compassion, she simply said to me, “Don’t be lazy.”
1) Choose one meditation practice and stick with it.
“If you want progress in meditation, stay with one technique.”
2) Meditate every day.
“Practice now. Don’t think you will do more later.”
3) Any situation is workable
“Each of us has enormous power. It can be used to help ourselves and help others.”
4) Practice patience
“Patience is one of the most important virtues for developing mindfulness and concentration.”
5) Free your mind
“Your mind is all stories.”
6) Cool the fire of emotions
“Anger is a fire.”
7) Have fun along the way
“I am quite happy. If you come to meditate, you will also be happy.”
8) Simplify
“Live simply. A very simple life is good for everything. Too much luxury is a hindrance to practice.”
9) Cultivate the spirit of blessing
“If you bless those around you, this will inspire you to be attentive in every moment.”
10) It’s a circular journey
“Meditation integrates the whole person.”
Taken from Dipa Ma: The Life and Legacy of a Buddhist Master
By Amy Schmidt, BlueBridge, 2005 (from Chapter 11)
“If you want progress in meditation, stay with one technique.”
2) Meditate every day.
“Practice now. Don’t think you will do more later.”
3) Any situation is workable
“Each of us has enormous power. It can be used to help ourselves and help others.”
4) Practice patience
“Patience is one of the most important virtues for developing mindfulness and concentration.”
5) Free your mind
“Your mind is all stories.”
6) Cool the fire of emotions
“Anger is a fire.”
7) Have fun along the way
“I am quite happy. If you come to meditate, you will also be happy.”
8) Simplify
“Live simply. A very simple life is good for everything. Too much luxury is a hindrance to practice.”
9) Cultivate the spirit of blessing
“If you bless those around you, this will inspire you to be attentive in every moment.”
10) It’s a circular journey
“Meditation integrates the whole person.”
Taken from Dipa Ma: The Life and Legacy of a Buddhist Master
By Amy Schmidt, BlueBridge, 2005 (from Chapter 11)
